Massive Drug Manufacturing Operation Uncovered in Gujarat’s Khambhat, ₹100 Crore Worth of Narcotics Seized

Anand, January 24 : In a major breakthrough, the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) uncovered a large-scale drug manufacturing factory in Gujarat’s Khambhat, located in the Sokhada GIDC area. The raid led to the seizure of narcotic substances worth ₹100 crore, exposing an elaborate operation disguised as a pharmaceutical business.

Following an extensive survey involving over 60 officials, the ATS arrested six individuals, including the factory owner, and transported them to Ahmedabad for further investigation.

Factory Front for Illicit Drug Operations

According to ATS sources, the factory was operating under the guise of manufacturing pharmaceutical products. It was revealed that the facility was producing Alprazolam, a controlled substance used in sleep medications. Authorities seized approximately 100 kilograms of Alprazolam-laced powder, valued at ₹100 crore in the illicit drug market.

The operation was centered in the Green Life Industries unit in Sokhada GIDC. The factory had been leased and was producing narcotics under the pretext of manufacturing pharmaceutical drugs.

18-Hour Raid Exposes Illicit Manufacturing

The raid began on Thursday morning and lasted for over 18 hours. During the operation, ATS officials, accompanied by the Special Operations Group (SOG) and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams, conducted a thorough search of the premises.

Key developments from the investigation include:

• Seizure of 21 barrels containing suspicious chemicals.
• Confirmation of Alprazolam production on-site.
• Detention of factory employees and partners for interrogation.

Sources revealed that the factory commenced operations around the time of Dev Diwali and was initially engaged in injection manufacturing before transitioning to chemical-based drug production.

Ahmedabad Partners and Bharuch Engineers Involved

Preliminary investigations indicate that two partners from Ahmedabad established the factory to manufacture bulk drugs. They hired engineers from Dahej, Bharuch, to oversee the production process. One of the engineers was also arrested during the operation.

ATS Uncovers Sophisticated Drug Network

ATS officials stated that the factory was part of a larger network, with links to other states and possible international connections. The manufacturing unit had sophisticated equipment, enabling large-scale production of Alprazolam, which is a Schedule H1 drug under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

The raid marks a significant success for the ATS in dismantling organized drug cartels operating under the radar.

Further Investigation Underway

The suspects are currently being interrogated in Ahmedabad to uncover additional links in the drug supply chain. ATS sources confirmed that the seized narcotics and chemicals would undergo detailed forensic analysis to establish the exact composition and scale of the operation.

Authorities are also investigating potential distribution networks and buyers, both within India and abroad, to trace the full extent of the syndicate.